Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
  • H02G11/00—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts
  • H02G11/006—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts using extensible carrier for the cable, e.g. self-coiling spring
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
  • F16G13/00—Chains
  • F16G13/12—Hauling- or hoisting-chains so called ornamental chains
  • F16G13/16—Hauling- or hoisting-chains so called ornamental chains with arrangements for holding electric cables, hoses, or the like
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10S59/00—Chain, staple, and horseshoe making
  • Y10S59/90—Plastic

Definitions

• the invention relates to an energy supply chain for guiding cables, hoses or the like from a fixed to a movable connection point on a curved path, with articulated and mutually angled chain links, the hinge axes of at least some chain links intersecting.
• Such an energy supply chain is known for example from EP 0 277 389.
• This chain is formed by chain links which are articulated to one another in a manner known per se, the chain links each being formed by two chain links arranged approximately parallel to one another, each via a lower integrally formed base plate and an upper detachable or removable crossbar are interconnected.
• One chain link each is connected to the adjacent chain link via two tongue-like link extensions which engage in corresponding slot-shaped receptacles of the adjacent link plates and are articulatedly connected to these via dowel pins guided through the recordings and the link extensions.
• the inner link plates of the chain facing the center of curvature are shorter than the remote outer link plates of the chain.
• the base plate connecting the link plates has a trapezoidal shape.
• the articulation axes of each chain link are at an angle to one another, the intersection of the axes defining the center of curvature of the chain.
• the known chain can follow the course of a curve with an inclined position during its winding and unwinding movement.
• This offers the advantage that, for example, rotating energy consumers such as assembly robots or the like are protected and relieved of strain via such an energy supply chain arranged power supply lines can be connected.
• the energy supply chain disclosed in EP 0 277 389 has the disadvantage, however, that due to the different length of the link plates and due to the joint axes angled to one another, the fits of the joint connections have to be made very far in order to ensure that the chain runs smoothly, i. H. to ensure a slight rolling movement of the chain.
• the known chain must be manufactured with very large tolerances. The pins and holes must interlock with a lot of play, since the chain must not only make a circular movement, but also a vertical movement at the same time. Due to this curvature in two planes, the chain strand must be able to twist within certain limits. Due to the large play of the articulated connections, specially designed guide elements or guide troughs for lateral stabilization of the chain are essential.
• the known energy supply chain has the disadvantage that different chain links must be available in terms of shape and dimension in order to form different circular radii and different receiving spaces for energy lines.
• the object of the invention is therefore to improve an energy supply chain of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it can be produced with closely tolerated articulated connections while maintaining good sliding and rolling properties.
• the chain according to the invention should in particular be easy to assemble and ensure optimum adaptation to the movement sequence of the machine to be equipped and to the desired receiving space with simple means.
• an energy supply chain with the features of the preamble of claim 1, which is characterized in that the chain is formed by only one link plate and that at least some of the link plates each have at least one support frame for receiving the cables, hoses or the like is.
• Such a chain formed from only one link strand has various advantages over the known chain. This is much easier to assemble, the articulated connections can be made almost free of play and, above all, the width of the usable space available for receiving cables, hoses or the like can be varied. This is possible in particular through the use of the support frames provided on the link plates for receiving the cables.
• the support frame is formed by upper and lower transverse webs which can be releasably attached to the link plates and which are assembled by a releasable connecting member to form a closed frame.
• crossbars can be more common, i. H. conventional chain links are used.
• the support frame can be formed by a one-piece U-shaped bracket or the like, which can be detachably attached to the link plates.
• the width and usable space of the chain can be varied by means of a support frame or support bracket that can be detachably attached to the link plates.
• the articulated areas of the link plate with intersecting joint axes are expediently formed by angled link areas.
• adjacent link plates connected to one another can overlap one another and interlock positively via holes and pins.
• the upper and lower transverse webs forming the supporting frame or the legs of the U-shaped bracket are each dimensioned on an outer link in their end sections such that they overlap the overlap area with the adjacent link plates and act as a stop against separation of the link plates transverse to the direction of travel.
• Such a configuration of transverse webs is known per se, but has proven to be particularly useful in the energy supply chain according to the invention.
• the link plates are each provided with projections designed as latching strips, which have corresponding latching recesses in the upper and lower transverse webs or the legs of the bracket cooperate in a manner known per se.
• the link plates provided with pins each have a partially circumferential shoulder on their outer edges, which is overlapped by retaining projections of the link plates provided with holes.
• the connecting member is provided with projections designed as latching strips, which cooperate with latching recesses in the upper and lower transverse webs.
• support loops for receiving the cables can be provided on at least some of the link plates. This would further reduce the weight and dimensions of the chain according to the invention, which has a favorable effect on the running properties of the chain.
• At least some of the link plates can be provided on at least one of their narrow sides with guide lugs that interact with a groove provided in a guide rail or the like.
• guide lugs can be expedient which engage with play in the guide groove provided for this purpose.
• the guide lugs and the guide groove prevent excessive stress on the chain transversely or tangentially to its direction of movement.
• 1 is an exploded perspective view of two neighboring chain links of a link strand
• FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of an energy supply chain according to the invention
• FIG. 3 shows an enlarged partial plan view of the energy chain shown in FIG. 2, partially broken away,
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a rotatably arranged consumer with a chain connection point arranged on the consumer and rotatable therewith as well as an energy guide chain attached to the chain connection point, which can be unrolled on a stationary guide trough,
• FIG. 6 shows the view A drawn in FIG. 4,
• FIG. 7 shows the arrangement from FIG. 4, in which the movable connection point has been rotated by 180 ° in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4,
• Fig. 11 is a chain link with a guide approach
• FIG. 12 is a side view of a link plate with a guide shoulder, which illustrates the interaction of the guide shoulder with a guide rail.
• 1 shows two adjacent link plates 1 of a link strand of the energy supply chain according to the invention.
• one of the chain links is referred to below as the inner link la and the other as the outer link lb, these terms relating to the position of the receiving space for the cables or hoses formed by the energy supply chain and only for the embodiment described. example apply.
• a receiving space for energy conductors can be provided on both sides of the link plates, as shown in FIG. 10, the terms outer plate on the one hand and inner plate on the other then no longer being applicable.
• the chain link provided with holes 2 is referred to here as the inner link 1 a
• the chain link 1 provided with pins (not shown) is referred to as the outer link 1 b.
• the energy supply chain according to the invention is formed by a link strand which is composed of inner link plates la and outer link plates lb, the outer link plates lb engaging in the holes 2 of the inner link plates la via pins, so that the chain link plates 1 form a strand that can be angled in at least one direction, with immediately adjacent, interconnected link plates overlapping one another.
• the inner plate la lies on the adjacent outer plates lb with the same side.
• the joint areas of the inner link plate la are angled to one another in such a way that their joint axes 3 intersect at one point.
• the hinge axes 3 of the outer plates 1b run parallel to one another, so that alternately chain plates 1 with mutually parallel joint axes 3 and chain plates 1 with intersecting joint axes 3 are connected to one another.
• the energy supply chain is thereby given a curvature, the intersecting joint axes 3 being arranged on a circular arc.
• FIG. 1 In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 are on one side of the link strand formed by upper crosspieces 4, lower crosspieces 5 and connecting links 6 support frame for receiving cables or hoses.
• the link plates 1 and the connecting links 6 are each provided with known lugs 7 which are designed as latching strips and which cooperate with latching recesses 8 in the upper and lower transverse webs 4, 5.
• the upper and lower crossbars 4, 5 are designed in the manner of conventional crossbars for conventional energy supply chains and are plugged together by snapping onto the shoulders 7 of the link plates 1 and the connecting links 6 to form a support frame which is cantilevered on the side of the link plate 1.
• longitudinal webs can be provided between the upper and lower transverse webs 4, 5 or intermediate webs extending perpendicular thereto, which further subdivide the receiving space for the cables or hoses.
• connecting links 6 and the upper and lower transverse webs 4, 5 of adjacent chain links have no connection to one another.
• modularly composed support frames consisting of upper and lower crossbars 4, 5 and connecting links 6 instead of modularly composed support frames consisting of upper and lower crossbars 4, 5 and connecting links 6, use can also be made of one-piece support brackets which, moreover, have corresponding locking recesses for snapping onto the shoulders 7 of the link plates.
• the articulated areas of the inner plates la provided with holes 2 can be provided with additional openings which, on the one hand, act as swivel limiting devices with stops provided on the outer plates 1b, but on the other hand also serve to save weight.
• the width of the upper and lower transverse webs 4, 5 is such that, as can be seen from FIG. 3, they each overlap the overlapping area of two inner plates la with the outer plate in question, and thus ensure that the link plates 1 are held together and act as a stop against the separation of the link plates 1 transversely to the direction of travel.
• the outer tabs lb are each provided on their outside with semicircular circumferential shoulders 14 which are overlapped by retaining projections 15 of the inner tabs la.
• dowel or push-button connections for fastening the link plates 1 to one another can also be provided.
• the energy supply chain according to the invention can be guided from a connection point on a rotatable consumer to a fixed connection point on a path curved in two planes.
• the consumer is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 as a support column 9 rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
• a connecting element 10 designed as an end fastening part for the energy guide chain.
• the energy guide chain is guided from this connection element 10 around the support column 9 and in an arc of 180 ° downwards.
• the guide trough 11 is not completely guided around the support column 9, but this can also be in the form of a closed, ie. H. fully encircling ring or wreath.
• the guide trough 11 forms an outwardly sloping, inclined support surface 12 and a boundary wall 13 extending perpendicularly thereto.
• FIG. 7 to 9 show the position of the energy supply chain after a pivoting movement of the support column 9 by 180 ° in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4.
• the energy supply chain lies on the guide trough 11 over the largest area of its length.
• Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention, in which on both sides of the link plates by upper and lower transverse webs 4, 5 and connecting links 6 support frames are provided.
• an arc-shaped rail or bar 16 with a guide groove 17 can also be provided, into which guide lugs 18 provided on the lower narrow sides of the link plates 1 engage with play.
• a strip 16 preferably made of thermoplastic material, can easily be bent into the desired shape, if necessary by prior heating.
• a groove for receiving the guide lugs 18 can be provided in the guide trough 11.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Electric Cable Arrangement Between Relatively Moving Parts (AREA)
• Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
• Prostheses (AREA)
• Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
• Details Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)

Priority Applications (8)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=7817767

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (15)

Cited By (5)

Families Citing this family (32)

Citations (7)

Family Cites Families (12)

• 1997
  • 1997-01-21 DE DE19701706A patent/DE19701706C1/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 1998
  • 1998-01-09 ES ES98902955T patent/ES2162413T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1998-01-09 CN CN98801949A patent/CN1102208C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-01-09 BR BR9806785-0A patent/BR9806785A/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-01-09 JP JP53351698A patent/JP3372552B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-01-09 AU AU59817/98A patent/AU5981798A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1998-01-09 WO PCT/DE1998/000092 patent/WO1998031950A1/de active Search and Examination
  • 1998-01-09 CZ CZ19992481A patent/CZ292920B6/cs not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-01-09 EP EP98902955A patent/EP0954710B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1998-01-09 DE DE59801122T patent/DE59801122D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1998-01-09 KR KR1019997006540A patent/KR100346676B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-01-09 US US09/355,001 patent/US6387002B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-01-09 CA CA002278215A patent/CA2278215C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-01-09 PL PL98334471A patent/PL189429B1/pl not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-01-20 TW TW087100676A patent/TW340166B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1998-01-21 ZA ZA98485A patent/ZA98485B/xx unknown

Patent Citations (7)

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